IPOA questions 5 DCI officers over Albert Ojwang’s death
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation into the mysterious death of Albert Omondi Ojwang, who died in police custody hours after his arrest over a social media post.
In a press statement released on Monday, June 9, 2025, IPOA confirmed that it had interviewed five officers drawn from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in connection with the case and that a post-mortem examination was underway.
Arrest and transfer
Ojwang was arrested on Saturday, June 7, by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) at his home in Kakot, Homa Bay County, for posting offensive content on the platform X targeting Deputy Police Inspector Eliud Lagat.
“Yes, there was a complaint that lodged by the DIG Kenya Police Service about his name being tarnished. It is on that basis that investigations were carried out because he also has a right to be protected by the same law,” Police Inspector-General Douglas Kanja said on Monday, June 9, 2025.
According to his family, they had expected him to be arraigned in court on Monday, June 9, 2025. But by Sunday, they were informed that Ojwang had died in custody. His body was later traced to City Mortuary.
“He was arrested while having lunch with us. The officers said he had insulted a senior person online. By Sunday, I was told he had died,” said Meshack Opiyo, Ojwang’s father.
Death sparks questions
A police report described Ojwang’s death as suicide, a statement suggesting that he “hit his head against the wall inside the cell.” Police in their first statement said officers found him bleeding and rushed him to Mbagathi Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
IPOA steps in
Following public outcry, IPOA issued a statement confirming that it had taken up the matter under Section 7 of the IPOA Act, which empowers the authority to investigate deaths linked to police action.
“The Authority has already visited and documented the scene, established contact with the family, and deployed officers at City Mortuary where the post-mortem is scheduled today,” read the statement signed by IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan.
IPOA also confirmed that five DCI officers have been interviewed, and their statements recorded to inform the investigation.
Justice sought urgently
IPOA reiterated its commitment to ensuring independent and impartial investigations. The findings will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions should criminal culpability be established.
Ojwang’s death has intensified calls for police accountability in Kenya, particularly regarding arrests over online expression.
